While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial Diamond Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Ti...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial Diamond Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Finished Orange Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 35mm M...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial & Custom Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss Steel Black Dial Orange Hand Automatic Mens Watch 116400
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre Owned. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch'...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Oyster Perpetual from Rolex in Oystersteel. Features a coral red dial and a smooth domed bezel. The Oyster bracelet comes with a folding Oyster...
Coral, Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss Steel Black Dial Orange Hand Automatic Men Watch 116400
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Good condition. No original box and paper. Comes with a Chronostore box and an authenticity card. Covered by 2-year seller warranty * Free shipping within the USA * 24-month warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116400 BKO Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Dress/Formal,Luxury Model: Rolex Milgauss...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15210 Salmon Dial Stainless Steel 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15210 Salmon Dial Stainless Steel 34mm Watch This Rolex Oyster Perpetual 15210 Watch is in excellent condition and is ready ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 1029 Zephyr Mens 1970s 18k Gold 35mm Diamond Automatic RA698B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling classic, 18k solid gold Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.1029 Zephyr diamond bezel, c.1971, in excellent working condition! Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeo...
18k Gold
Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wat...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
